Evidence supporting the use of: Lingzhi
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lingzhi (also known as Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly to promote recovery and vitality during convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or medical treatment. In traditional medical texts, Lingzhi is regarded as a “superior tonic” believed to replenish qi (vital energy), strengthen the body, and improve overall resistance to disease. Historical records, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing, describe it as beneficial for enhancing longevity and restoring robustness after illness.
Modern scientific studies on Lingzhi have largely focused on its potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Some preclinical and limited clinical evidence suggests that polysaccharides and triterpenes in Lingzhi may enhance immune function, reduce fatigue, and improve general well-being, which could theoretically aid in convalescence. However, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating Lingzhi’s effectiveness in convalescence are scant. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use, and while Lingzhi appears to be generally safe, robust scientific validation for this particular indication is lacking. Thus, its use for supporting convalescence is primarily justified by a strong tradition, with some suggestive but not definitive scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
AlbuminAlcohol
Algae
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
ambergris
amino acids
Andrographis
animal protein
animal Tissue
antler
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Auricularia
bacteria
BCAA
bee pollen
beef
Beef liver
Beef Protein
beta-glucan
bilberry
bird\'s nest
black currant
blackthorn
bone marrow
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
butter
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Centella asiatica
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
chlorella
cistanche
Codonopsis
colostrum
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
D-Ribose
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Dipeptide
egg
Egg protein
elderberry
eleuthero
elk antler
Euglena gracilis
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish protein
flat-stem milk-vetch
fulvic acid
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutamine
Glutathione
Gnaphalium
goji berry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
haliotis
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
iron
jiaogulan
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
licorice root
lingzhi
lipids
liquid liver fractions
malt
Marine protein
Milk
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Mistletoe
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peptides
pollen
polysaccharides
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
Quinoa Protein
reishi mushroom
royal jelly
Rubia yunnanensis
Sarivan
Shark Liver Oil
shiitake mushroom
Smartweed
spirulina
Trametes
turmeric
vitamin C
vitamin D
Whey protein
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by lingzhi
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Parkinson's Disease
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcers
